Last winter, I had planned to host a ÂMidwinter Tea Party & Seed Swap at my home, but circumstances changed, and I had to simplify my arrangements. Instead, the Mid-Atlantic Gardening Forum found themselves invited to gather at a local restaurant for a ÂChinese Tea Party & Seed Swap, and it was a great success! I hope the tips and suggestions from our event will inspire you to put together a similar gathering in your area.
As a teacher, I always like to have living things in my classroom (other than the children, of course!). Whenever possible, I keep fish, lizards, or even small rodents, and I always, always have plants in my classroom. Immediately after Christmas is a wonderful time to force bulbs with the kids. I have learned not to begin this project prior to Christmas, as the class misses out on the opportunity to witness the rapid growth, and sometimes even the fragrant blooms, while they are gone over Christmas break.
Many lovers of tropical plants are smitten with the very large leaved Alocasia species, and many of them lust after a plant as large as Alocasia robusta is reputed to grow. One result I have been seeking in my breeding work, a holy grail of sorts, is a giant-leaved Alocasia that is easy to grow for all. Here I'll share about what I've come up with so far . . .
No doubt everyone here on DaveÂs Garden has heard of compost, most often it is the whispered secret between avid gardeners. YouÂve probably had a few of these conversations, when you look in amazement at one of your neighbors gigantic prized tomatoes and ask ÂhowÂd you do that?Â...they look all around suspiciously then lean in and whisper, ÂItÂs my special compost.Â
What gardener has not heard over and over, ÂNPK, NPK, NPKÂ or, Âfertilize, fertilize, fertilizeÂ? ItÂs true we need to address those things, but do we really understand ALL the ramifications, the HowÂs and WhyÂs? I didnÂt fail chemistry in school because I never took a chemistry class. So, when I began gardening and reading about soil chemistry, it seemed so unintelligible that I could feel my eyes glazing over and my brain fogging. Finally I think I understand it a little better.
